Adjustable supporting structure



Oct. 24, 1961 B. w. SANDERS 3,005,659

ADJUSTABLE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE Filed July 16, 1958 s Sheets-Shet 1 .ZZ INVENTOR w Z3 ATTORNEY Oct. 24, 1961 B. w. SANDERS 3,

ADJUSTABLE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE Filed July 16, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VENTOR ATTORNEY Oct. 24, 1961 B. w. SANDERS 3,005,659

ADJUSTABLE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 16, 1958 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,%S,659 ADIUSTAELE SUIPORTING STRUCTURE Biliy Woodrow Sanders, 895 Silver Ave, Greensboro, N.C. Filed July 16, 1958, Ser. No. 748,866 12 Claims. (Cl. 29719) This invention relates to the art of furniture which may be the subject of diversified adaptation, as well as to supporting structures applicable thereto. More particularly it pertains to seating means or chairs which in their desirable embodiments are capable of manifesting varied attributes and functions.

In its preferred embodiments, the invention relates to chairs adapted for affording multifunctional characteristics in their usages. In view of the attendant structural features, they may desirably be collapsible and/or adjustable or oscillatable, dependent upon the manner of utilization to effect a predetermined function.

The distinctions in chairs of the prior art have been manifold, pursuant to the requisites of their prospective utilization. While the preponderance of such structures has been directed to a unitary function and limited field of adaptation, the prior art has afiorded some chairs contemplated for providing a combination of characteristics or attributes, desirable from the standpoint of utility. In this category is the folding chair, some being constructed to manifest an oscillating or rocking function.

While such chairs have afforded a measure of effectiveness, they have not been without elements of objection and attendant shortcomings. In general prior art chairs of this type have involved a substantial factor of structural complexity, affecting their over-all sturdiness, facility of utilization and function, as well as economic expediency.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate difficu-lties and uncertainties such as those hereinabove indicated with respect to furniture structures, particularly of the type hereinabove designated.

Another object is to provide a supporting structure of simplified and sturdy construction as well as diversified adaptation which is applicable to furniture, and especially that of the chair type.

A further object is a chair of sturdy construction adapted for wide flexibility in its utilization and expedient- 1y susceptible to being collapsed or folded into a compact form.

An additional object is a chair of enhanced utility which embraces an oscillatable function.

An important object of the invention is a chair of structural simplicity and sturdiness, adapted for flexibility in its utilization, which may be collapsed or folded into a compact form and is capable of providing an oscillatable function when in its upright seating position.

Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying figures of the drawings, wherein similar elements are designated by like numerals.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a desirable embodiment of a chair embracing the essence of the invention and adapted for such informal uses as on a beach, porch or ship deck.

FIG. 2 is directed to a longitudinal section, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, indicating a desirable correlation of the back and seat portions of the chair.

FIG. 3 is a sectional detail taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, showing an effective coordination of the said back and seat portions in their relative pivotal attachment.

3,065,659 Patented Oct. 24, 1961 FIG. 3A is a fragmentary elevation of a modified pivotal coordination between the back and the seat.

FIG. 4 indicates in fragmentary sectional view a modified positioning of the back and seat in their relative mounting.

FIG. 5 is drawn to a fragmentary section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1, designating a pivotal connection between a forward leg of the chair and a lateral or side frame member of the seat.

FIG. 6 contemplates in a similar fragmentary section the mounting of arear leg with respect to the lateral or side frame member of the seat.

FIG. 7 designates a desirable embodiment of jointure, in side elevational detail and partly broken away, between the front and rear supporting legs, when the chair is in its upright position as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows in sectional detail a modification of a frictional element that may be coordinated with the leg jointure, such as that of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 represents another jointure modification applicable to the front and rear legs, in a view similar to FIG. 8, when the chair is in its aforesaid upright position.

FIG. 10 affords an additional embodiment, in sectional elevation, of a front and rear leg jointure.

FIG. 11 pertains to a further jointure modification pertinent to the front and rear legs, including means associated with the legs for controlling the extent of their relative movement.

FIG. 12 discloses in fragmentary sectional view another embodiment of the leg jointure.

FIG. 13 relates to the coordinated positioning of the front and rear legs, when associated as a jointure illustrated by the modification of FIG. 7, at one extremity of their relative movement, the front leg being shown in its maximum elevated position.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to that of FIG. 13, with the jointure of the front and rear legs positioned at the opposite extremity of the relative movement shown in FIG. 13, the front leg being in its lowermost position.

FIG. 15 comprises a side elevational view of the chair corresponding with the modification shown in FIG. 1, the legs being collapsed with respect to the seat in the solid line embodiment, thereby affording a modified usage, the dotted lines indicating a modified adaptation of such usage.

FIG. 16 reveals, likewise in side elevation, a further adaptation of the chair indicated by FIG. 1, afforded by the inverted positioning of the back and seat portions, the chair legs being collapsed with respect to each other.

FIG. 17 pertains to the compact state of the chair shown in FIG. 1 when completely folded or collapsed.

To facilitate a consideration of the present invention, it is described herein with respect to a preferred structural embodiment thereof, referring to the type of chair that is normally adapted for beach, porch, steamship deck, as well as other informal usages. It will however be understood that the invention is not restricted to such embodiment or to the details described herein, particularly with respect to the fundamental aspects of the chair structure, and embraces within its scope wide variations in the structural design of the chair, dependent upon its differentiated field of utilization. Thus the desirable embodiments of the chair described herein are the subject of consideration primarily by way of illustration, and are in no sense intended to be limitative with respect to the scope of the invention.

Referring more expressly to the structural details of the invention, as embodied in the aforesaid desirable modification thereof illustrated by FIG. 1, the chair comprises a coordination of back 1, seat 2, front legs 3, 3' and rear legs 4, 4'. The said back 1 and seat 2 are rotatably mounted relative to each other in any expedi ent manner, and the angular disposition of the back to the seat, when the chair is in position for afiording a seating function, may likewise be effected by resort to any desirable means, such as through a cord or strap appropriately attached to the said back 1 and seat 2. The above-mentioned rotatable correlation 'of back land seat 2, the attachment of the cord or strap 5 to the relevant parts of the chair, as well as the mounting of the front legs 3, 3 and rear .legs 4, 4' are the subject of further consideration hereinbelow.

The back 1 may comprise a frame construction including upper cross-member 7, lower cross-member 8, and longitudinal side members 9, 9'. The said crossmember 7 is shown as a substantially rectangular-shaped panel, the upper edge 6 being beveled or rounded if de sired,,while cross-member 8 is illustratively of cylindrical configuration. Longitudinal side members 9, 9' are like wise of comparatively rectangular-shape, with their lower ends 10, 10 shown to be wider than the respective upper extremities 45, 45'.

In this connect-ion, the resort to a widening or thick: ening in the dimensions of any member or portion thereof tends to alford an increased strength thereto, and may also facilitate the attachment of other parts to any such enlarged areas. It will be apparent however that the configuration of the aforesaid members may be subject to variation, in accordance with preference as' well as dictates of attendant circumstances, such as the aforesaid facilitating of the correlation between the structural parts of the chair. I 7

The coordination of cross-members 7 and Swiththe longitudinal side members 9, 9 may be effected in any expedientmanner, such as by a mortise and tenon joint, the ends of the said members 7 and 3 being inserted in appropriate fitted openings and 21 respectively at the lower end portion 11) and upper end portion 45 0f the longitudinal side members 9, 9. As shown in FIG. 3, the said cross-member 8 may be of a longitudinal dimension such that the respective ends thereof extend into the conforming openings 21 of longitudinal members 9, 9 and merely through a part thereof. Screws 21 are indicated as a means for effecting the fixed attachment of the respective ends of cross-member 8 to the longitudinal members 9, 9. v This dimensionally curtailed cross-member 8 as aforesaid is adapted to provide attributes in the pivotal association, as will be further described hereinbelowf Nevertheless it will be understood that the said structural coordination is not intended 'to be restrictive, and it is subject to the skill of the art, which may include the crossmember 8 of a dimension such that the ends thereof extend completely through openings 21. With respect to the seat 2, this is likewise predicated on a frame structure including front cross-member 12, rear cross-member 13, and lateral or side members 14, 14'. The association of said cross-members 12 and 13'with lateral members 14, 14 as a permanent attachment may also be in accordance with the usual practice of coordinating a frame structure, such as by resort to a mortise and tenon type joint with screws applied, if desired, for the fixed retention of the cross-members to the lateral members.

The front cross-member 12 is shown as a panel type member of substantially planar surfaces, analogous to the form of cross-member 7 in the frame structure of back 1. Likewise rear cross-member 13 is indicated as essentially cylindrical, similarly to the aforesaid rear cross-member 8 of the back frame structure. On the other hand, the lateral or side members 14, 14 are desirably of an over-all rectangular configuration, although in optimum detail, the rear end portions 16, 16 thereof are of substantially increased uddth prirnarily with respect to their outer or external surface 17, as compared with the corresponding upper and lower surfaces of the said lateral members. Thus the said increased width may be effected by resorting to a curvature or rounded configuration applicable to the upper and lower surfaces 20, 20 respectively of the said lateral members 14, 14' at the enlarged portions 16, 16'.

The correlated rotatable mounting of back 1 and seat 2 may be attained in accordance with expediency. An optimum type of coordination comprises the illustrative modification shown in FIG. 3. As referred to hereinabove, the lower cross-member 8 is aflixed to longitudinal members 9, 9, desirably being retained in its permanent attachment by screws 21', the respective ends of the said cross-member 8 extending only partially through the corresponding opening 21. A dowel 18, in cylindrical form andof a diameter corresponding with that of crossmember 8, is removably positionable at one end thereof within each of the openings 21 in proximity to and coextensive with ,the said cross-member 8 at each end of the latter, the said dowels protruding at their other end from the said openings 21 and respectively extending into an aligned opening 22 in the end portions 16, 16 of lateral members 14, 14', each saidlopening 22 conforming in diameter with an opem'ng 21 and being adapted to receive the said end portion of a dowel 18 protruding from a correlated opening 21.

The length of said openings 22, from the surface of the inner side of end portions 16, 16' of lateral members 14, 14' through the body of the said lateral members in the direction of the outer surface may be subject to variation dependent upon the length of the projecting portions 19 of dowel .18 from the opening 21 in which they are seated as aforesaid contiguous the respective ends of cross-member 8. As an element of expediency with respect to facilitating the assembly of the back and seat relative to each other as well as in connection with the servicing of the'chair, such as in the supply or repair of the upholstery or other parts of the seat and back, the opening 22 in each end portion 16, 16' desirably extends entirely through the same. The longitudinal dimension of the dowel is adapted to extend from its seat within opening 21, contiguous an end of the said cross-member 8, with the projecting portion 19 passing through an opening 22 and terminating at the outer 'end of the latter opening.

Differently stated, the inner side surface of end portion 16 of. lateral seat member 14 may be superimposed over the outer surface of lower portion 10 of longitudinal back member 9, with opening 22 through the said portion 16 being aligned with opening 21 of portion 10, and the dowel may be then pressed through opening 22 into contact with the end of cross-member 8 within opening 21. By the same token, another dowel 18 may be seated within opening 22 and contiguous the corresponding end of cross-memberti within opening 21 in the lower portion 10 of longitudinal member 9', when the said opening 22, in end portion 16' of lateral seat member 14, is in superimposed alignment with opening 21 of back portion 10.

It will accordingly be apparent that the said dowel type of mounting results in the rotatable coordination of back 1 relative to seat 2 or vice versa, and since the dowels are not in any fixed attachment, they are subject to facilitated removal, thereby permitting the separation of the back from the seat or the expedient rotatable re-assembly of these parts of the chair. Moreover since portion 16 of lateral seat member 14 is superimposed over portion 10 of longitudinal member 9'as aforesaid, and the same pertains with respect to portion 16' of lateral member 14' relative to portion 10 of longitudinal member 9', the seat may be wider than the back, as in the chair embodiment of FIG. 1. g V Without altering the attributes of the aforesaid dowel type of mounting, i may be subject to variation from the standpoint of the structural details of correlation. Thus the functioning of the dowel as a pivot for the relative rotation back 1 and seat 2 may be effected without the dowels on each side of the chair being co-extensive of cross-member 8. Within the mechanical skill of one versed in the art, the said crass-member 8 may extend at each end thereof to the termination of the opening 21 in longitudinal members 9, 9 of the back, Whether or not said openings fully penetrate the members 9, 9 or terminate in a blind cavity not visible from the outer surface of said members 9, 9'. As a corollary thereto, the dowel mounting may be entirely independent, as by an opening on the outer surface of the respective bottom portions and 16' of longitudinal members 9, 9', the said openings extending merely partly through the body of the portions 10, 10', and thereby comprising recesses or cavities for the seating therein of one end of a dowel 18. By the superimposed aligning of an opening, through portions 16 and 16' respectively, which comprises a corresponding cavity or recess of a similar diameter, a dowel may be positioned through the corresponding respective openings in 16 and 16' and the contiguous cavity or recess in 10, 10' for effecting a rotatable mounting fundamentally similar to that of FIG. 3.

Moreover the relative positioning of the back 1 and seat 2, by way of illustration, in their pivotal coordination at rear portion 16 of the seat member 14 and lower portion 10 of longitudinal back member 9, may be subject to structural modifications, irrespective of whether or not the dowel pivotal means is coordinated with cross-member 8. Thus as shown in FIG, 2, cross-member 8, in its alignment with the dowel means, is coordinated with substantially the extreme end of portion 16 of lateral seat member 14, while the cross-member 18 of the seat is spaced somewhat inwardly and apart from the said lower crossmember 8 of the back.

Alternatively as shown in FIG. 4, the correlation of back 1 with seat 2 shows cross-member 8 positioned inwardly relative to the cross-member 13. Where the said cross-member '8 is coordinated with dowels for attaining the pivotal mounting of the type shown in FIG. 3, the cross-member 13 of the seat will be positioned rearwardly of the said pivotal mounting, as indicated by FIG. 4. Moreover the relative positioning of the said cross-members 8 and 13 in their relationship to portion 16 of lateral or side member 14 may be subject to variation, and as shown in FIG. 2, the comparative elevation of crossmember 8 with respect to cross-member 13 may be less than that indicated in FIG. 4. It will be understood that the association of the back and seat at respective portions 16' and 16 will be correspondingly similar to the coordination between 10 and 16. As previously stated, the dowel pivoting may be similar to that contemplated by FIG. 3, wherein the dowel is co-extensive with crossmember 8, or it may be independent of cross-member 8 as referred to hereinabove. Thus various modifications may be applicable in the rotatable coordination of the back and seat without deviating from the essence of the invention.

Other types of pivotal mountings may be utilized, within the skill of the art, in lieu of the above-described desirable dowel association. Illustrative thereof is the resort to a simple hinge attachment for rotatably coordinating the seat and back pursuant to FIG. 3A. This is apropos, by way of example, where the seat is of a width substantially corresponding with that of the back and the lateral members 14, 14 are angularly or horizontally disposed relative to the longitudinal back members 9, 9', respectively, the said corresponding members 9 and 14 being in the same vertical plane with their portions 16 and 10 contiguous each other, while members 9' and 14' are similarly correlated at their portions 10, 16.

Thus one leaf of a simple hinge 90 may be affixed to lower portion 10 of longitudinal back member 9, with the other leaf of tr e hinge affixed to the upper surface of end portion 16 of lateral member 14, and a similar hinge may be attached having one leaf thereof applied to lower portion 16) of longitudinal member 9', with the corresponding leaf affixed to the upper surface of portion 16' comprising an end of lateral member 14. While such a hinge association may not afford the attributes and advantages of the dowel coordination, it will be operative as a rotatable mounting in a chair affording various inventive features as described herein.

Any desirable means may be utilized for the retention of the back 1 and seat 2 at a predetermined relationship insofar as pertains to their maximum angular disposition relative to each other, provided the said means affords a requisite flexibility, whereby the back and seat may be rotated to or from an overlying collapsible or foldable position relative to each other. As indicated hereinabove, this may be attained through the simple device of a cord or strap means 5. lllustratively with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the said strap may in effect comprise an integral or continuous length, subject to the free ends noted herewith. Thus ends thereof 5' are afixed to the undersurface 2i) of lateral members 14 and 14. The intermediate portion of the cord or strap 5 passes through openings 25 at the upper end portions of longitudinal members 9 and 9', and an adjustment buckle or clamp element 30 with which ends 35 and 35 are correlated, permits the variation of the aforesaid maximum angular disposition between the back and the seat. The buckle or clamp means may be of any type known to the art, and as illustrated comprises dual rings 40 aiiixed to an end 35', with the other end 35 being lapped through these rings and in effect locking the same in a given position, subject to adjustment through varying the extent of said end 35 which is correlated with the rings 40 and allowing for any slack or tau-toning of the intermediate portion of the cord through the openings 25 of the back.

However the above-described means for attaining the adjustable maximum angular positioning of the back and the seat relative to each other is not intended to be limitative. Thus it may be effected in any expedient manner within the skill of the art adapted to provide a flexible association and means of angular adjustment with respect to the back and seat.

Concerning the chair upholstery, any desired type may be resorted to. However from the standpoint of informal chair adaptation, a quite desirable embodiment thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is in the form of appropriate cording 11 applicable to the seat and back respectively. Thus with the back preferably, although not necessarily, detached from the seat in view of the aforesaid separable dowel pivotal mounting, the said cording 11, as a continuous length thereof, may be wound over cross-member 7 and under cross-member 8 to cover the entire transverse dimension of the back between longitudinal members 9 and 9. Likewise cording in a continuous length may be wound over cross-members 12 and 13 of the seat, embracing the complete transverse area between the lateral or side members 14, 14 of the seat. In the event that the back and seat are separately provided with the aforesaid upholstery 11, they may then be rotatably mounted m'th respect to each other, as previously described, through the pivotal dowel means. It should be added that notwithstanding the attributes of the aforesaid type of upholstery, dependent upon preference, a wide diversification may be resorted to, including a simple fabric or plastic covering, as Well as the type of upholstery which may include such appurtenances as padding and resilient means, usually in the form of spring elements.

A significant aspect of the invention pertains to the features of the supporting means applicable to the chair, both from the standpoint of their mounting and relative correlation. It comprises the coordination of the front and rear legs on each side of the chair in a manner to afford the functions contemplated, whereby a desirable oscillating movement may be effected when the legs are in their upright supporting position, or other adaptations of the chair, apart from its completely collapsible aspects, may be attained when the legs are in their relatively folded position. The following description is directed to the coordination of the two legs on one side of the chair, and it will be understood that precisely the same mode of attachment applies to the corresponding legs on the other side.

An optimum embodiment of the leg coordination is indicated in FIG. 7. It will be noted that front leg 3 is superimposed over the outer surface 39 of the lateral or side seat member 14, and mounted with respect thereto through pivotal means 23. The latter may be in the form of a bolt threaded at its end portion and in a fixed attachment to member 14. The said pivotal means 23 preferably extends through leg 3 at a point intermediate the ends thereof, that is, between or spaced apart from the upper end portion 24 and the lower end portion 26 thereof. As shown the pivotal coordination may desirably be closer to the upper end portion 24, although it will be understood that this point of attachment may be subject to variation. The said end portion 24 is indicated as extending in substantial measure above the side member 14, as evidenced by FIGS. 1 and 7, although this may be the subject of variation to an extent where the end portion 24 substantially projects comparatively little,

if at all, above the lateral member 14. Referring to FIG. 5, the pivotal spindle 23 passes through the washer 27 against which its slotted head 28 rests, while the threaded end 29 of the spindle, which projects through the member 14, is similarly superimposed by a washer 31, with an internally threaded nut 32 attached to said threaded end '29 and seated against the said washer 31 for retaining the spindle in situ. I

The relative positioning of leg 3 with respect to the outer surface 39 of lateral member 14, likewise comprises a desirable mounting detail, although this similarly may be subject to variation within the latitude of the invention. In accordance with the indication of FIG. 1, and referring to the approximate midpoint 41 of said lateral member 14, it will be seen that the position of the spindle 23 may effectively be spaced apart from the said point 41 in the direction approaching the end portion 16 of the said member 14.

The mounting of rear leg 4 is likewise effected by superimposing the said leg relative to the outer surface 39 of member 14, substantially at the end portion thereof, spaced apart from the pivotal position of the front leg 3, although desirably along the same transverse line or plane of the said member 14, as pertains to the mounting of leg 3. The requisite attachment is attained through spindle 33, the slotted head 36 thereof being retained by the washer 34, with the screw threaded end portion 37 of the spindle fixing the position of the said leg 4 relative to the lateral seat member 14. Thus leg 4 is also mounted at a point intermediate the ends thereof, that is, spaced apart from its ends, as indicated hereinabove with respect to leg 3.

As indicated in FIG. 6, the threaded end 37 of spindle 33 may be afiixed to the end 38 of transverse member 13, pertinent to seat 2, although it will be apparent that .the said screw attachment of spindle 33 may be at another point with respect to the member 14. Similarly to the mounting of leg 3, the association of spindle 33 with leg 4 may desirably be intermediate the upper portion 44 of this leg and the lower portion 46 thereof, and preferably at or adjacent to the said portion 44.

The width of upper leg portion 44 is shown as desirably being substantially enlarged relative to that of lower leg portion 46, and the pivotal mounting through the aforesaid spindle 33 may eifectively be at approximately the commencement of the said enlarged portion 44. Analogous to the substantially enlarged or widened portion 44 of leg 4 relative to the lower portion 46, front leg 3 is also shown as beingdistinctly enlarged or widened at its upper portion 24, compared with the lower portion 26. Irrespective of the general appearance manifested by both legs 3 and 4, including thesomewhaLcurvilinear effect of the area at which the latter leg is pivotally mounted, as well as the aforesaid widening of the upper portions of the coordinated legs, it will be understood that there is no intent to be restricted to any given configuration, and the lower portions of the legs may, if desired, be dimensionally comparable with their upper portions.

The enlargement or widening of the above-referred to portion 24 of leg 3 and portion 44 of leg 4 may desirably be substantially comparable at their extreme upper ends, designated respectively as end surfaces 42 and 4'7. Concerning the lengths of the legs, in View of their correlated mounting and contemplated cofunctioning when in an upright position, the front leg 3 may effectively be somewhat longer than that of rear leg 4. While such comparative dimensional coordination, wherein the end surfaces widths or enlargements at 42 as well as 47 are substantially the same, with the relative length of the front leg exceeding in some measure that of the rear leg, illustratively to an extent of two to three inches, functions quite satisfactorily, there is no intent to be restricted thereto, particularly since the relevant details may be subject to variation within the purport of the invention.

The aforesaid widening of legs 3 and 4 at their upper portions is adapted to be of utilitarian significance, apart from any strengthening effect attributable thereto or practicable expediency afforded thereby in attaining the requisite pivotal mountings. Thus through this relative enlargement, the extreme upper end planar surface 42 of front leg 3 may thereby be rendered of expedient width as well as appropriate strength in connection with the adjustable and/0r oscillatable feature of the chair, notwithstanding the comparatively lesser width at the lower portion of the leg.

Referring to the desirable embodiment of jointure shown in FIG. 7, the enlarged end surface 42 of front leg 3 is provided with a projecting means or tongue 43 desirably integral therewith. On the other hand, the extreme upper end planar surface 47 of rear leg 4, which is likewise of a substantially enlarged traversing dimension relative to the lower portion of the leg, is shown provided with a groove or slot 48, usually embracing the maximum practicable extent of the aforesaid enlarged dimension of the upper leg portion 44. The groove or slot is desirably provided with shoulders or abutments 49 and 50, which in effect determine the length of the groove or slot 48 in FIG. 7. It will be noted that planar surface 42 and planar surface 47 are angularly related to the longitudinal center line of the respective legs to which they pertain.

The transverse dimension of the groove 48 may be adapted to receive tongue 43 in a relatively fitted or com paratively minor frictional engagement primarily relative to lateral wall surfaces 52 of the slot 48. While some restraining function is thereby effected for appropriately preventing the indiscriminate movement of the tongue in its slot there is no intent to prevent the expedient movement within the groove, as described further hereinbelow. Moreover the length of the slot 48 should be substantially in excess of the corresponding dimension of tongue 43, or differently stated, the length of the tongue is distinctly less than that of the slot within which it is adapted to be positioned.

When the legs 3 and 4, pivotally mounted intermediate their ends relative to lateral seat member 14 as above described, are in their upright chair-supporting position, pursuant to the jointure shown in FIG. 7, planar end surface 42 of leg 3 is in slidable contact with planar end surface 47 of leg 4, and tongue 43 is, as above stated, positioned within slot 48. Moreover legs 3 and 4 in this position extend downwardly in a divergent relationship while their upper ends converge relative to each other. Accordingly the relative movement of the respective upper portions 24 and 44 of legs 3 and 4 is subject to any frictional coordination between the tongue lateral wall surfaces 51 and the corresponding wall surfaces 52 of the slot 43, as well as in view of the aforesaid slidable contact between the respective end surfaces 42 and 47, thereby providing an element of control or regulating effect on the contemplated movable association of the legs.

The extent of the relative movement of the said leg portions 24 and 44 comprises the difference between the length of the tongue and that of the groove, subject to the contact of the upper edge 54 of the tongue against the internal surface of shoulder or abutment 49, which functions to limit movement of the tongue in one direction, while the contact of the lower edge 55 of the tongue relative to abutment serves as a stop in the opposite direction. It will therefore be noted that the length of the end surface 42 of leg 3 and the substantially comparable length of end surface 47 at the upper extremity of leg 4 may have a bearing on the dimension applicable to the groove or slot 48. The latter, as previously stated, manifests a determinative effect on the traversing dimension available therein for the tongue 43, with respect to the attendant relative movement of the upper portions 24 and 44 of the legs at their aforesaid end surfaces. As a corollary thereto, the smaller the tongue 43 and the larger slot 48, the greater will be the extent of movement of the tongue within the slot.

Concerning the manner in which the tongue 43 is associated with the end surface 42 of the upper portion 24 of leg 3, this may be effected in accordance with preference and expediency. Thus the tongue may comprise a separate element integrally attached to the end surface of the front leg in any desired manner. Alternatively it may be ab initio in the form of a unitary projection from the end surface obtained by appropriately cutting the end to provide a tongue or by casting, where the leg is of metal derivation. In this latter connection, it will be understood that the materials from which the legs and tongue are fabricated may have a bearing on determining the type of integral attachment involved without in any extent altering the latitude of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the ton ue 43 is substantially centered along the longitudinal diameter of the end surface 42 of leg 3. However, it should be clear that it is not limited to this positioning, and by way of exemplification the tongue may be located along the lower portion of the said longitudinal diameter or at the upper part thereof. In essence the requisite is that the tongue should be positioned for effecting the contemplated extent of expedient movement in slot 48, if desired, subject to the aforesaid frictional engagement for purposes of regulating the said movement when the respective end surfaces 42 and 47 of the legs are in correlated position relative to each other.

The relative mounting and coordination of corresponding front leg 3 and rear leg 4' precisely conform with that hereinabove described in connection With legs 3 and 4. Thus the said legs 3' and 4' are pivotally coordinated with the outer surface of the lateral side member 14 of the seat, and a tongue integral with the upper end surface of leg 3' is adapted for correlation with a slot at the upper end surface of leg 4', when the said legs are in their upright supporting position with their end surfaces in slidable contact, affording the same functional relationship as that between legs 3 and 4.

Accordingly the chair illustratively shown in FIG. 1 and provided with the jointure indicated in FIG. 7 is adapted for an adjustable or oscillatable movement when the legs are in their upright supporting position, by exerting pressure against back 1 and seat 2 thereof in a manner similar to that which pertains in the functioning of a conventional rocking chair. Conversely the said movement may be resorted to merely for adjusting the angular disposition of the back and seat as a unit for stationary adaptation of the chair.

It is however noteworthy that the oscillating movement of the chair is in its essence predicated on the correlated upper wall surface area of slot 48.

relationship of the seat per se with the pairs of legs 3 pivotally mounted relative thereto. Thus when supported by the associated legs 3, 4 on one side and the corresponding legs 3, 4 on the other side as shown in FIG. 1, the seat 2 is per se subject to the aforesaid oscillatable movement in view of the contemplated jointure function of the respective pairs of legs. The oscillatable movement of the back is in essence effected as a result of its pivotal mounting and coordination with the seat through the cord or strap, for example, as above described. However the aforesaid correlation of the back and the seat, through the cord or strap attachment, may facilitate the upward movement of the seat by the force or pressure manifested against the back, although such upward movement of the seat is not dependent upon any coordination with a back.

The extent of oscillatable movement, whether the overall structure is a chair as illustrated in FIG. 1, a seat per se, or a structure contemplated by some other use or function, is dependent upon the relative dimension and correlation of the tongues with their corresponding slots, as described hereinabove. In this connection, within the purview of the modification of FIG. 7, the lower end 55 of tongue 43 may desirably be subject to the stopping function of shoulder or abutment 50, when the seat is in substantially parallel position relative to the floor or ground.

As previously indicated, the positioning of the tongue on the upper end surface of the front leg and the relative dimensions of the tongue and slot may be subject to variation. Thus the extent of oscillatable movement may be increased as aforesaid by a reduction in the longitudinal dimension of the tongue, with or without a relative increase in the dimension of the slot, and vice versa, the scope of oscillation may be curtailed by resort to an enlarged tongue or diminished length of slot. Merely by way of example, an appropriate latitude of oscillation comprises a relative movement of the tongue and slot to an extent of approximately two inches. As a supplementary indication, it will be clear that the association of the parts embodied in and comprising the said jointure, including the correlated tongue and slot as well as the relevant abutments or shoulders, should be adapted to withstand the load or weight, allowing for an appropriate factor of safety, applicable to the jointure when the chair or other sustaining or supporting structure to which the jointure pertains is being utilized either in its upright static position or for affording an oscillating function.

The relative movement manifested by the slidable contact surfaces comprising jointures within the scope of the invention is graphically illustrated by FIGS13 and 14. While the said FIGS. 13 and 14 pertain to the jointure modification of FIG. 7, this is primarily illustrative and clearly not restrictive, since it will be apparent that the general essence of the designated range of movement, from the standpoint of the coordination of parts comprising the jointure, will in effect be likewise applicable to other jointure modifications, such as the added embodiments referred to hereinbelow.

FIG. 13 is indicative of he upper portion 24 of'leg 3 in its extreme elevated position relative to upper portion 44 of leg 4, the upper edge 54 of tongue 43 being in contact with the shoulder or abutment 49, comprising an This position is attained when the back 1 of the chair has been forced or moved rearwardly to its maximum extent relative to the seat 2, the said seat being simultaneously raised at its position forwardly of the pivotal spindle 23, due to the predetermined angular disposition of the back and seat, when functioning as an assembly, in view of their association through cord 5, as referred to hereinabove. By the same token, where no back is involved and the structural supporting or sustaining surface 2 is adapted for any predetermined use or function, such as a seat, footrest, or otherwise, the position of the jointure in FIG. 13 is attainable as aforesaid by raising the front portion of 2, or conversely lowering its rear portion, with respect to the pivotal means 23. i 7

Similarly with reference to FIG. 14, the jointure of the front and rear legs reveals the opposite range of displacement with respect to that designated in FIG. 13. Thus the relative movement of the legs 3 and 4 at their slidable contact surfaces 42 and 47 is such that the upper portion 24 of leg 3 is at its lowermost position with regard to upper portion 44 of leg 4, with the lower edge 55 of tongue 43 being in contact with the abutment or shoulder 50 comprising a wall surface area of slot 48. This jointure position of FIG. 14 is effected by moving or forcing the forward surface of seat 2 downwardly to its maximum extent, with the back if any being simultaneously rotated forwardly through the expedient of cord 5, in order to maintain the aforesaid predetermined angular disposition between the seat and back.

'The frictional coordination of tongue and groove, re ferred to hereinabove with respect to the tongue lateral wall surfaces 51 and the correlated wall surfaces 52 of slot 48, has been found operatively effective in the practicable functioning of the jointure type contemplated by FIG. 7. Nevertheless dependent on expediency and/or desire, the frictional association for obtaining a regulated slidable disposition at the jointure may be aptly supplemented. Such supplementary control of the slidable displacement at the end surfaces 42 and 47 may be espe cially appropos, where the tongue is adapted to freely move within a correlated slot, with substantially little or essentially no frictional engagement between the tongue and slot being involved.

FIG 8 is directed to a device that may be utilized either per se or as a supplementary expedient for effecting a controlled jointure movement with respect to FIG. 7, as well asin connection with other jointure modifications of the invention. Concerning the details of FIG. 8, a spring pressed detent 53 is seated in an appropriate opening of the leg 4 contiguous slot 48 andbears against the.

lateral surface 51 of the tongue 43 as the latter moves within the slot. The spring tension manifested on the movement of the tongue within the slot may be subject to predetermination, dependent upon whether it is intended to supplement any inherent frictional engagement between the lateral wall surfaces 51 of the tongue and the correlated inner surfaces 52 of the groove or slot, or whether the purport of the spring function is to provide the'entire means of controlling the relative move,- ment of the tongue within the slot. Merely one spring means 53 is indicated by FIG. 8, but if desired, a plurality may be positioned in the slot, pursuant to practicable expediency, and these may be distributed relative to the inner'wall surface on both sides 52 of the slot, thereby functioning on the opposing lateral surfaces 51 of the tongue. I

The jointure of FIG. 7 affords an optimum element of stability in the chair when in itsuprightposition, supported by the legs for obtaining the oscillating movement or adjustable stationary disposition which the jointure is adapted to provide. In this connection, the angular relationship between the front and rear legs contributes to this stability, and without intending to limit the applicable latitude, an approximate range of to 90, more or less, between the front and rear legs, when in their aforesaid supporting position, has been found quite satisfactory.

Notwithstanding the desirability of the jointure modification of FIG. 7, the jointure may be subject to variation within the sphere of the invention, while retaining the practicable aspects and operativetetfectiveness of the chair features contemplated herein. This is illustratively shown by the other jointure modifications which are described. The jointure of FIG, 9 is entirely similar to that of FIG. 7, with the exception that there are no abutments or shoulders applicable to the slot thereof. In this embodiment, the tongue 43, integral with the extreme and planar surface 42 at the upper portion 24 of leg 3, is adapted to slide within the slot 58, on the extreme and planar surface 47 at the upper portion 44 of leg 4. As in FIG. 7, the planar surfaces 42 and 47 are angularly related respectively to the longitudinal center line of leg 3 and leg 4. The said slot 58 extends for the entire longitudinal dimension or width of the said end surface 47, and accordingly when end surface 42 is in slidable contact therewith, the tongue 43 being positioned in slot 58, a maximum range for oscillating movement or adjustment is afforded, subject to the avoidance of the end surfaces being displaced relative to each other in an extent resulting in a complete severance of any contact between the respective end surfaces 12 and 47. It will be noted that conversely to the status which applies to FIG. 7, the range of oscillating movement is comparably increased by a greater longitudinal dimension of tongue 43, while a shorter tongue in effect may curtail the extent of slidable movement between the end surfaces 42 and 4-7 without entirely eliminating this contact. Notwithstanding the omission of shoulders or abutments in the slot 58, a reasonable measure of stability is afforded by this jointure, due to the frictional coordination of the tongue 43 in groove 58, as well as the effect of the slidable contact between the end surfaces 42 and 47.

Insofar as pertains to the modification of FIG. 10, this may be characterized as being predicated on the fundamental aspects of jointure structure comprising a significant feature herein. It will be noted that neither a tongue nor a corresponding groove is involved in this embodiment. Thus it comprises the planar contact surface 59 at the extreme upper end of portion 24 of leg 3 and the similar planar surface 69 at the upper extremity of the portion 44 pertinent to leg 4. Similarly to the jointure embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 9, the planar surfaces 59' and 60 of FIG. ll) are angularly disposed relative to the longitudinal center line respectively of legs 3 and 4. When the legs 3 and 4- are in their upright chair supportingposition, they extend downwardly in a divergent relationship with respect to each other while the upper ends of said legs converge toward each other, with the result that the planar surfaces 59 and 60 are in slidable or reciprocable contact, and the relative displacement of the upper portions 24 and 4-4 of legs 3 and 4 determine the extent of oscillating movement or adjustment afforded.

V The frictional eifect afforded by the slidable contact at the jointures permits an element of control with respect to the jointure function. It should be noted in this connection that the ground contact as well as the weight of a person seated in the chair comprise a factor in regulating the movement of the chair as well as its stability.

There is no intent to be restricted by any details of theory or explanation concerning the operation of the jointures as contemplated by the present invention. To all intents andpurposes, the end surfaces, such as 42 and 47 in FIG 7 as well as FIG. 9, or 59 and 6% in FIG. 10, remain in substantial slidable contact throughout the cycle of movement of the jointures in raising or lowering the planar surface, such as seat 2, to the maximum practicable extent, which as above indicated may be determined by applicable shoulders or stops. Any tendency to deviate from such end surface contact of the jointures if at all manifested is quite negligible, in effect imperceptible and possibly compensated by the pivotal movement of one of the legs involved in the jointure combination. Under usual circumstances of use as a chair, the compensating adjustment which permits the aforesaid end surface to remain in substantially complete slidable contact at alltimes over their entire length may be effected by a pivotal movement of front leg 3 above its pivotal connection 23, with leg 4 maintaining a comparatively stationary position.

' As stated hereinabove, FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the rage of slidable contact between upper end surfaces of legs 3 and 4, in their reciprocal relationship for affording a resultant oscillatable movement or adjustment in the angular disposition of duly supported planar surface or seat and'chair assembly, utilizing the jointure of FIG. 7. However the fundamental aspects of said FIGS. 13 and 14 are similarly relevant to the jointure embodiments contemplated by FIGS. 9 and 10. Moreover if desired, abutments or stop means may be applied to the modifications of FIGS. 9 and 10 for obviating any possibility in terminating the contact between the opposing end surfaces of legs 3 and 4 during the course of their relative reciprocal movement. Such means may comprise any expedient form of stop device attached to the upper portion 44 of leg 4 in a manner to effect the function desired, pursuant to the dictates of mechanical skill. Merely by way of suggestion, an arm rest may be attached to the lateral seat member 9, which per se or through projecting appurtenances will serve to limit the upward movement of either portion 24 of leg 3 or portion 44 of leg 4, and similar means may be resorted to as stops for the lowermost range of movement that may be applicable to the said leg portions 24 and 44, within the range of the slida-ble contact of the end surfaces 42 and 47 in the jointures designated by FIGS. 9 and 10.

The jointure modification of FIG. 11 in essence comprises an effective stop means which may be utilized for any of the aforesaid jointures, and particularly those of FIGS. 9 and 10. A plate element 62, provided with a slot 63, is afiixed to legs 3 and 4 by means of screws 64 and 65. The said screws pass through the slot 63, their respective heads retaining the plate through washers 67, the said plate being relatively slidable and/ or subject to an element of rotation. Thus as the contact surfaces 42 and 47 manifest a reciprocal movement adapted to afford an oscillating effect in the chair, the extent of slidable contact will be limited as a result of the attendant positioning of plate element 62, by virtue of slot 63 thereof, retained in attachment to the legs 3 and 4 as aforesaid.

Concerning FIG. 12, the end surface 42 is provided with an opening 70, in which a metal cup 71 is positioned. The upper portion 44 of leg 4 is recessed, as at 72, to receive head 73 of pin 74. The recess 75 extends inwardly from end surface 47 of leg '4 in an extent adapted to receive plate 76, the outer surface of which is desirably flush with the said surface 47, and the plate 76 may be secured to end 44 in any appropriate manner. The said plate 76 embraces slot 77, through which pin 74 passes and is adapted for movement within the said slot. A wear plate 78 may be supplied at the bottom of recess 72 to minimize any wearing effect of head 73 of the pin against the base of said slot 77. The said pin 74 is adapted to fit into metal cup 71, and with the movement of end surface 42 relative to end surface 47, the pin 74 will slide in slot 77 while the head 73 slides in slot 72. In this connection, the slot 77 will be narrower than head 73 of the pin in order to obviate the removal of the pin, unless plate 76 is separated from its aforesaid attachment.

The adaptation of the chair when upright as shown in FIG. 1 involves elements of similarity to that of a conventional rocking chair. While the slidable contact between the upper end surfaces of legs 3 and 4, on one side of the chair, and between legs 3' and 4 on the opposing side, is substantially reciprocable as indicated in F168. 13 and 14, an oscillating or adjusting chair movement is afforded. Thus by exerting pressure against the back 1, in view of its coordination with the seat 2 through the cord 5, the seat will manifest pivoting movement relative to the spindle mountings of the logs, the back 1 and rear portion of the seat relative to spindle 23 being thereby lowered while the front portion of the seat is raised. Conversely by applying the requisite down- '14 ward force to the aforesaid front portion of the seat, the latter will pivot downward-1y while the back 1 is being pivotally raised in View of the aforesaid cord attachment with the seat.

As previously indicated, since the pivotally coordinated mounting of the legs relative to the seat and with respect to each other comprises the primary basis for the relevant movement or adjustment, it may be effected by the appropriate application of force or pressure to the seat per so, this being especially apropos with a backless structure. Without intending to be limited in terms of any theory or explanation, the indication appears to be that the pivoting movement of the seat is primarily relative to spindles 33, pertinent to the mounting of rear legs 4, 4, although some adjusting effect or movement may likewise be involved with respect to spindles 23, applicable tothe mounting of the front legs 3, 3.

The function of the chair embodiment in FIG. 1 for beach purposes is aptly illustrated in FIG. 15, which also comprises an indication of the attendant flexibility and related features thereof. In this adaptation of the chair, the upright supporting position of the legs is not utilized. Thus leg 4 is shown rotated about its pivotal spindle 33, with the planar surface thereof adapted for contacting the base or ground upon which the chair rests. The end portion 44 of leg 4 projects rearwardly of portion 16 of lateral seat member 14, as well as beyond the comparatively upright or vertical position of back 1, evidenced by longitudinal frame member 9 thereof.

Accordingly leg 4 together with corresponding rear leg 4, when positioned as shown in FIG. 15 relative to lateral members 14 and 14' respectively, afford a supporting base for the chair, in its beach utilization or the like. At the same time, front leg 3, by virtue of its rotation about its pivotal spindle 23, is in superimposed position, with respect to its surface 82, for a substantial extent of its length on surface 81 of leg 4, the remainder of leg 3 cmbodying its end portion 26 projecting forwardly of the end portion 46 of leg 4. The tongue 43 at end surface 42 of leg 3 is in effect pocketed in the curved surface area 84 of leg 4, which is adapted to receive the said tongue substantially without any contact thereof, especially in view of the planar configuration of end surface 42 of leg 3 and the curvature applicable to leg 4 at the said pocket area 84. Thus the overlying coordination between surface -82 of leg 3 and surface 81 of leg 4 is not impeded by the tongue 43, and it will be further noted that in this relationship of the legs, leg 3 is substantially parallel to and contiguous with the outer surface 39 of lateral seat member 14, the aforesaid end portion 26 of leg 3 likewise projecting somewhat forwardly of the seat 2, or the free end of lateral member 14 thereof, and to a lesser extent than the protuberance of leg 3 with respect to leg 4. At the same time, the enlarged portion 44 of leg 4 projects rearwardly of end portion 16 of lateral seat member 14, although the said portion 16 extends upwardly from leg portion 44, in View of the above-described pivotal mounting of leg 4 at 33, located, in this position of the chair, at the lower part of portion 16 of the said member 14.

Thus pursuant to the chair modification indicated in FIGS. 1 and 15, the weight of the chair, and any load applicable to the seat thereof are supported by the said legs 4, 4' resting on their undersurface 84). Nevertheless the seat may be to all intents and purposes somewhat elevated relative to the base or ground. This elevated support of the seat may be primarily attributable to the above described correlated mounting of the legs relative to lateral member 15, and the coordinated superimposed positioning of the legs as aforesaid.

In this status of the chair, the ends of dowels 18 are freely accessible, and are accordingly subject to removal or insertion with respect to the above-described pivotal mounting of the back and chair relative to each other. Moreover a rocking or oscillating movement is afforded in the use of the chair as indicated by FIG. 15. Such effect results primarily from the pivotal coordination of the seat through its lateral members 14, 14 with portion 44 of legs 4, 4, such as by spindles 33, and is attained by the person in the chair exerting a force on the back of the seat. However the rocking or oscillating of the chair in this position necessitates guarding against excess pivoting which may result in an imbalance, whereby the rear of the back contacts the floor or ground, with the seat being in a relatively upright or vertical position.

This latter position of the chair, as shown by the dotted line indication of FIG. 15, in effect comprises a further or alternative adaptation thereof for beach use. Thus with the seat rotated to a comparatively vertical or upright position, the undersurface of the chair substantially rests on the ground, and the legs 3, 3' assume an angular disposition relative to the corresponding legs 4, 4', with the lower end portions 26, 26 of legs 3, 3' being more or less contiguous the end portions 46, 46' of the legs 4, 4. In this modification, leg 4 retains the position shown by solid lines in FIG. 15 and the same would be applicable to leg4'. In rotating the seat from its solid line position through the expedient of the pivoting spindle 33, comprising as aforesaid the mounting of the rear legs 4, 4' to lateral seat members 14, 14, the seat is elevated to the position as shown by the dotted lines of FIG. 15. At the same time, the back is rotated to the dotted line position of FIG. 15, with the rear of the back contacting the base or ground. In this latter connection, it will be apparent that the rear surfaces of longitudinal members 9, 9' of the back comprise the primary means of the aforesaid contact with the base or ground.

Under such circumstances, pursuant to the dotted line indication of FIG. 15, the back is utilized as the chair seat, while the latter comprises the backrest. Any rocking or tilting effect is likewise attributable merely to the relative mounting of the back and seat, this being however subject to the possible interference of the end portions 26, 26 of legs 3, 3, as when these may be wedged in the sand on the beach. i

The completely collapsed or folded state of the chair is shown by FIG. 17. This compact coordination of all of the parts comprising the chair structure is effected by merely rotating the back 1 from its position in the solid line showing of FIG. 15 downwardly onto the seat 2, this being effected through the expedient of the above-described dowel rotatable mounting of the back relative to the seat.

As indicated by FIG. 16, the utilization of the chair primarily in he capacity of a backrest in effect comprises the inversion of the assembly comprisingthe solid line embodiment in FIG. 15 to the position whereby the front end of the seat and the upper end of the back are in contact with the base or ground. Differently stated, the ends 85 of lateral seat members 14, 14 and the ends 86 of longitudinal back members 9, 9' are contacted with the base or ground. The relationship of the legs may likewise be reversed, since in this arrangement, the lower portions 26, 26 of legs 3, 3 may contact the base or ground, with the surface 81 of legs 4, 4' being superimposed on the surface 82 of legs 3,- 3, although it will be understood that the legs may be in an upwardly projecting position determinable by their pivotal mounting, as indicated by the dotted line showing in FIG. 16. Due to the angular disposition of the back and seatrelative to each other, either or both may be utilized as a backrest, a dual function in this manner being thereby afforded.

Concerning the material from which the chair is fabricated, this may be of any expedient type, applicable to furniture construction. Thus it may be, for example, either of wood or metal derivation, as well as a combination of these materials. A quite satisfactory chair, as disclosed herein, has. been fabricated entirely from wood, and by way of illustration with respect to the reliance upon metal fabrication, especially from the standpoint of related to the longitudinal center line of the leg, said 16 appropriate strength and desirable lightness, aluminum may be resorted to in the manufacture of the chair.

Pursuant to the invention, a novel, sturdy chair of struc tural simplicity and enhanced operative characteristics is afforded. Moreover the wide utility of the invention is emphasized by the flexibility and of a functional versatility thereof.

While the invention has been described in accordance with desirable embodiments thereof, it is quite apparent that many changes may be made in the details of construction and configuration applicable thereto, as well as in the combination and arrangement of parts, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

'1. In combination, a structure comprising a sustaining member having opposite side surfaces, supporting means mounted on said opposite surfaces, said supporting means including apair of coordinatable legs, the extreme upper end of each leg comprising a planar surface angularly related to the longitudinal center line of the leg, said legs being pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on said side surfaces and adapted to extend downwardly in a divergent relationship while the upper ends of said legs converge relative to each other, the said upper ends at their'planar surfaces being positionable to engage in slidable contact with each other when the supporting means are in their upright position with the sustaining member in its substantially horizontal position, and thereby being capable of afiording an adjustable movement to said sustaining member during said contact at the upper end surfaces of the legs.

2. In combination, a structure comprising a sustaining member having opposite side members, supporting means mounted on said opposite members, said supporting means includinga pair of coordinatable legs, the extreme upper end of each leg comprising a planar surface angularly related to the longitudinal center line of the leg, said legs being pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on said side members and adapted to extend downwardly in a divergent relationship while the upper ends of said legs converge relative to each other, the said upper ends at their planar surfaces being positionable to engage in slidable contact with each other when the supporting means are in their upright position with the sustaining member in' its substantially horizontal position, and thereby being capable of affording an adjustable movement to said sustaining member during said contact at the upper end surfaces of the legs, the said contacting surfaces being separable for permitting the pivotal movement of the legs to a folding position relative to each other.

3. In a chair combination, a back and a seat attached to each other, said seat including two opposite side members, a pair of legs comprising a front leg and a rear leg coordinated with each side member, the extreme upper end of each leg comprising a planar surface angularly legs being independently and pivotally mounted intermediate their respective ends on said side members and adapted to extend downwardly in a divergent relationship while the upper ends of said legs converge relative to each other, the said upper ends at their planar surfaces being positionable to engage in slidable contact with each other as a jointure when the chair is in the upright position supported by its legs with the seat in its sustaining position, and thereby being capable of affording an adjustable as well as substantially oscillatable chair movement during said contact at the upper end surfaces of the legs.

4. In a. chair combination, a back and a seat pivotally attached to each other, the seat including two opposite side members, means for retaining the back and the seat at a predetermined adjustable angular disposition relative to each other, a pair of legs including a front leg and a. rear leg coordinated with each side member,

the extreme upper end of each leg comprising a planar surface angularly related to the longitudinal center line of the leg, said legs being independently and pivotally mounted intermediate their respective ends on said side members and adapted to extend downwardly in a divergent relationship while the upper ends of said legs converge relative to each other, the said upper ends at their planar surfaces being positionable to engage in slidable contact with each other as a jointure when the chair is in the upright position supported by its legs with the seat in its sustaining position, and thereby being capable of affording an adjustable as well as substantially oscillatable chair movement during said contact at the upper end surfaces of the legs, the said contacting end surfaces being separable for permitting the pivotal movement of the legs to a folded position relative to each other.

5. The combination as in claim 4, wherein the back and seat are separable at their pivotal attachment, the said attachment comprising removable and replaceable dowel means.

6. The combination as in claim 4, wherein the legs pivotally mounted on each side of the seat are adapted for superimposed positioning relative to each other and adjacent the side member, with the rear legs comprising a supporting base for the chair in its adaptation for beach usage and the like.

7. The combination as in claim 4, wherein the legs pivotally mounted on each side of the seat are adapted for superimposed positioning relative to each other, and the back is adapted for pivotal superimposition on the seat, to thereby provide a chair in compact completely collapsed state.

'8. The combination as in claim 4, wherein the back and seat are adjustably affixed to each other by a strap means and the pivotally mounted legs are in superimposed position relative to each other, the back and seat being inverted with respect to their normal position in a chair, the upper end of the back and the forward end of the seat being in contact with a supporting base, thereby providing back rest means.

9. In a chair combination, a back and a seat pivotally attached to each other, means for retaining the back and the seat at a predetermined adjustable angular disposition relative to each other, the said seat including two opposite side members and the back including two opposite longitudinal members, the lower end portion of a longitudinal member of the back being pivotally mounted on a respective inside surface of the rear end portion of each side member of the seat, a pair of legs including a front leg and a rear leg coordinated with each other, the extreme upper end of each leg comprising a planar surface angularly related to the longitudinal center line of the leg, said legs being independently and pivotally mounted intermediate their respective ends on the outer surface of said side members of the seat and adapted to extend downwardly in a divergent relationship while the upper ends of said legs converge relative to each other, the said upper ends at their planar surfaces being positionable to engage in slidable contact with each other as a jointure when the chair is in the upright position supported by its legs with the seat in its sustaining position, and thereby being capable of affording an adjustable chair movement during said contact at the upper end surfaces of the legs.

410. A chair combination as in claim 9, wherein the back and seat are separable at their pivotal mounting; the said mounting comprises removable and replaceable dowel means; and wherein the means for retaining the back and seat at a predetermined angular disposition relative to each other comprises a strap means coordinated with each longitudinal member of the back and each side member of the seat, said strap means being adapted for a variation in its eifective length to determine the angular disposition between the back and the seat.

11. A chair combination as in claim 9, wherein the jointure comprises a projecting means on one end surface of a leg, a groove on the end surface of the other leg coordinated therewith as a pair, and stop means associated with the jointure for determining the extent of relative movement.

12. The combination as in claim 11, wherein the projecting means on said one end surface of a leg comprises a tongue, and the end wall surfaces of the groove on the other leg coordinated therewith as a pair comprise stops determining the extent of relative movement.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,596,424 Morse May 13, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 590,697 Great Britain July 25, 1947 

